Problem-Based Learning Approach to a Course in Data Intensive Systems

The emergence of Big Data and Data Intensive Systems as specialized fields in computing is motivating the development of new courses and curricula. The biggest challenge is to define coherent and stable intended learning outcomes in a highly dynamic field. It is also necessary to balance between proper knowledge acquisition by student and the required time investment of teacher. We carefully looked into education theory and based our course on the problem based learning approach. We demonstrate how to define relevant intended learning outcomes, problems, teaching/learning activities and we align them with assessment tasks. Preliminary evaluation shows that intended learning outcomes are well covered by defined problems and that alignment between teaching/learning activities and assessment tasks has been reached. We hope this paper documenting our approach will be useful to other groups facing a similar task, we also think it can be helpful in establishing of Common Body of Knowledge for Data Intensive Science and related areas.